Dodgers' Chad Billingsley to pitch in minor leagues Sunday

Chad Billingsley, shown in an April 2013 appearance, is more than 13 months removed from elbow surgery and unlikely to return to the rotation before the All-Star break as he hoped.

Chad Billingsley, shown in an April 2013 appearance, is more than 13 months removed from elbow surgery and unlikely to return to the rotation before the All-Star break as he hoped. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)

In other news, the Dodgers figured to be without assistant hitting coach John Valentin against the Rockies on Saturday after he was struck by a ball in an indoor batting cage. Valentin, who was hit near his left eye, remained conscious but was taken to a nearby hospital to be examined.

The ball was hit by Andre Ethier, who also struck Sandy Koufax with a foul ball during spring training.